Young Scholars Charter School
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday March 12, 2024 at 3:45 PM
Location
Zoom only
This meeting is being held in compliance with Open Meeting requirements of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act and is open to the public. Notices were duly posted and the meeting was advertised in The Philadelphia Daily News. Formal action will be taken.
Trustees Present
A. Wang (remote), B. Young (remote), E. Ashe (remote), E. Kaplin (remote), G. Singer (remote), I. Brind (remote), J. Brown (remote), T. Rebar (remote), W. Churchill (remote), W. Weisman (remote), r. Halpern (remote)
Trustees Absent
B. Harrison, J. Wang
Guests Present
B. Chazin (remote), C. Freyer (remote), J. Amenda (remote), John Cacciola- Aegis (remote), K. Corcoran (remote), K. Lamilla (remote), K. Tini (remote), S. Smith (remote), Samantha Banks (Friends of YSCS Board) (remote), Sammi Aufiero- Aegis (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
To accept the resignation of Board Trustee, Dana Dwirantwi, effective March 12, 2024.
II. Board Discussion Topics
A.
Dashboard
B.
Elevate 215 Grant Update
Funds from this grant would help sustain some staffing and support more innovative practices in instruction for accelerated achievement.
C.
Enrollment Projections, Facility Needs and Staffing Plans
Putting together a strong strategic plan for the next 5 years.
Headline 1- Seek to increase enrollment to 300 students and include 5th grade to become true middle school model over next.
Headline 2- See a reduction in class size, resulting in class size of 19 students for maximum personalization and accelerated impact.
Headline 3- Seeks to be a front runner in teacher retention, engagement and satisfaction through competitive compensation, benefits and site based conditions.
Headline 4- Enhance relevance and rigor of model through continued and expanded investments in PBL, arts and specials.
Headline 5- Become an urban model in facility experience through two phase project improving building functionality and expanded program offerings.
Headline 6- Be a model for student mental health and support for sustained investments in social work, therapy, counseling, student health services, advisory and SEL.
D.
PTO and Benefits Policy Updates, Teacher Compensation Structure Updates
Becca Chazin shared research on PTO and leave benefits and proposed enhancements in these areas. She discussed the new compensation structure which will be approved at the end of the meeting.
E.
Facility Planning
John Cacciola and Sammi Aufiero from Aegis Property Group joined to provide updates on facility planning. The team selected the architect to develop a concept and schematic design. Construction- RFP sent out to contractors and then proceed with Phase 1- interior renovations.
F.
Committee Updates Where Applicable
Becca Chazin gave a high school update. 98% of students applied for public selective schools and 81% received offer so far. Students also went through the charter school application process and 77 applications were completed. A small group went through private school application process.
Kevin Corcoran gave a finance update. The school is in strong financial shape. The draft 24-25 budget will be presented at the next board meeting.
John Amenda went through the dashboard. Reading proficiency continues to make recovery for school overall. Math is a challenge. Staff and student attendance are both currently strong. Overall improvement in student retention year over year. Including 5th grade will help students acclimate sooner. Fundraising has exceeded annual goal.